We recently held our first Local Cancer Champion Board (LCCB) meeting which was a huge success. We went through our draft terms of reference, making some additions and identified the need for a representative from an older person affected by cancer, an older person’s consultant and a professional working in the Vale; the Board have identified possible ways of recruiting these individuals.
The representatives on the LCCB were also able to offer us further guidance and support for the Cancer, Older People’s Advocacy team and our Peer Cancer Support Advocates.
Macmillan Cancer Support currently provide drop in sessions at their hub in the University Hospital of Wales for anyone interested in popping by. Tenovus have invited our volunteers and staff to attend their ‘speed dating sessions’, where they can learn a lot about cancer in a different and fun way and in a short space of time. Velindre Hospital has offered to show our staff around their facilities so that staff can see the treatment rooms and equipment and machines that are used.
We aim to utilise the above to bridge the time between recruitment of the Peer Cancer Support Advocates and matching to a client
Angela Jones, Advocate
The LCCB was also a good sounding block for ideas of the best way to launch our project and we have chosen to hold small road shows at our 3 main hospitals. We plan to do this the second week in October.
Our temporary chair from the LCCB was also able to attend the National Cancer Champions Board meeting in London recently at Macmillan Cancer Support HQ.
Angela Jones, Advocate, Cancer, Older People’s Advocacy Project, Age Connects Cardiff & the Vale
Older People Living with Cancer 